In fact, over the weekend, Bieber, who was out on a hike, was once again approached by a photographer who asked if he wants to start a church.

The performer again denied that he’s looking to launch a house of worship, repeatedly saying “No,” and “Nah” when questioned about it. Bieber did make it clear, though, that he’s currently involved in church.

“Church is good,” Bieber said.

The photographer then asked if Bieber is planning to make music with any artists at Hillsong or any other church. Again, the singer pushed back against those rumors.

“No, I’m not working with any artists at the church,” he said, before teasing the release of new music on Thursday. “My song comes out on Thursday. It’s called ‘Friends.’ You should check it out.”

The musical announcement is a surprising and fascinating one, considering that Bieber seemed to be taking time off after deciding last month that he wouldn’t be finishing his Purpose World Tour.

The cancellation announcement sparked rumors that he was stopping music to focus more on his Christian faith. He tweeted on Monday about the coming release as well.

As Faithwire previously reported, Bieber broke his silence earlier this month about his mysterious decision to cancel the remaining dates of his Purpose World Tour, publishing a relatively lengthy statement to his Facebook page that he said is “from the heart.”

Bieber explained that his tour decision was rooted in an attempt to make his life “sustainable” and to ensure that he takes the time to care for himself and to work more diligently toward his future goals.

“Me taking this time right now is me saying I want to be sustainable. I want my career to be sustainable,” he wrote. “But also I want my mind, heart and soul to be sustainable, so that I can be the man I want to be, the husband I eventually want to be and the father I want to be.”